Changes at Yuba Reservoir are bringing it back to life

All of the camping areas are located toward the upper end of the reservoir. One reason is that much of the land to the south, roughly 33 percent, is private along with a large portion of BLM land. The BLM controls 61 percent of the shoreline, and the state park system controls six.

In the future, said Bonar, the BLM would like to finish Painted Rock this summer, then look at making improvement in its other three campgrounds.

"There's also been talk of a concessionaire with groceries, gas and ice on site. It could be possible if we find the right place and receive an inquiry from interested persons, then we'll look at just how it will fit into our system," said Steve.

Currently, there are no services available at the reservoir. But, gas and supplies can be purchased at nearby towns, including Nephi and Scipio.

Rasmussen said the state owns 50 acres adjacent to its current camping area, "and we'll look at possibly expanding as we attract more people."

He also noted that several events are planned at the reservoir this summer, including a wakeboard tournament in June, a volleyball tournament on Aug. 11 and the Yuba Triathlon on Sept. 8.

The park will also participate in the state park's 50th anniversary Geocache Adventure. Each of the 42 parks will have GPS locators visitors can rent for free and use to find treasures within the park.

Also, in a cooperative program with the DWR, state parks are offering discounts on daily use fees to those showing a valid Utah fishing or combination license.

All said, continued Rasmussen, as more and more people learn about the changes at Yuba, he expects that it won't be too long before Yuba is again one of Utah's more popular parks.

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Upcoming events at Yuba Reservoir

May 25-28: Memorial Day weekend

June 9: Wakeboarding tournament

Aug. 11: Volleyball tournament

Sept. 8: Yuba Triathlon

Yuba State Park

Levan, Utah

435-758-2611

yuba@utah.gov

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E-mail: grass@desnews.com